NBA Midseason Awards

With the NBA season more than halfway over, people will begin number-crunching and analyzing every statistic known to man in order to cast their votes for their end-of-season picks. If the season were to end today, these are who I see best fit to walk away with the NBA's major awards.

MVP- Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder

Courtesy of Washington Times

The Durantula is the face of a franchise for a squad that has only been in existence for 5 years, and he's done an admirable job making them highly recognizable among the league's best during his tenure. In summation, Durant is one of the most electric players in the league today. At 6'9'', he is probably an oversized small forward, but it fits the dynamism of his game that much better. He can pull up from just about anywhere and hit a shot over any defender, drive through the lane and jam from 5 feet out, or drive and pull up, making his defender sprawl out trying to contest his shot. Between him and LeBron, you'll potentially have the next decades worth of MVP awards sticking between two guys the way they play. And aside from the aforementioned LeBron, you won't find a more unique and dangerous offensive threat with the ball in his hands.

And with the way KD has performed to this point in the season, leading the league in scoring for the 4th straight year and also leading the way in minutes played, it's hard to argue against him. Currently, his team has the 2nd best record in the NBA sans James Harden, and Durant is the biggest reason why. With him enjoying a career year in terms of FG percentage, 3-point percentage, and en route to blast his career-high in assists, Durant is certainly a worthy candidate for the highly coveted MVP award, finally snatching it from the firm grasp of LBJ.

Honorable Mentions: James (MIA), Kobe Bryant (LAL), Chris Paul (LAC), Carmelo Anthony (NYK)

Rookie of the Year- Damian Lillard, PG, Portland Trail Blazers

In what's been a very solid rookie class, the one who stands out the most has to be Damian Lillard of Portland. Not only has he been a lightning rod in the Blazers offense, he's been a reliable ball handler who looks poised and experienced in a league suddenly loaded with point guard talent. He's been a catalyst for Portland's offense, being their primary floor general while averaging nearly 39 minutes per contest. His time played, coupled with his solid 18.5 PPG and 6.5 APG averages, makes you look at this guard out of Weber State and wonder what his future holds, as it certainly looks very bright.

Despite other big names such as #1 overall pick Anthony Davis and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, both out of Kentucky, Lillard has flown under the radar as an generally unheard of rookie mixed in the shuffle of the other notable rookies. Especially being in a market such as Portland, Lillard is also missing out on a little bit of publicity that he may otherwise receive if he were performing at this level in the likes of Los Angeles, Boston, or Chicago. Despite that, Lillard is certainly a budding star in a league full of them, and he'll likely be recognized at the end of the season for his efforts.

Honorable Mentions: Davis (NOH), Kidd-Gilchrist (CHA), Andre Drummond (DET)

Most Improved Player - Paul George, SF, Indiana Pacers

Courtesy of NBA.com

This award, probably the most arbitrary of all of them, is hardest to decipher because of what is exactly it means. Does it mean that this player is simply getting more playing time and executing, or does it convey someone who has done more with the same opportunity he's had in previous years? Regardless, I'm giving it to Paul George as he has enjoyed the similar playing time as previous years, but he's rounding into more of a leader that the Pacers expected when they drafted him 10th overall in 2010.

What stands out the most is that Indiana has gone the whole season without Danny Granger thus far, and George is making the absence of him look seemingly insignificant. He's obliterating his career high for PPG (17.6), assists (3.7), rebounds (7.6), 3-point percentage (39%), and minutes played (38), and looking like a superstar in the process. He's helped the Pacers to the third best record in the East, and look like serious contenders in a conference where there are only a few who look legitimate.

George has finally turned into the all-around player that Indiana thought they were selecting 3 years ago, and they're reliance on him is certainly paying off.

Honorable Mentions: Jrue Holiday (PHI), Greivis Vasquez (NOH), Serge Ibaka (OKC)

Defensive Player of the Year- Joakim Noah, C, Bulls

In a year without the services of Derrick Rose being readily available, Joakim Noah has kept the Bulls afloat with his breakout year. After being selected to his first All-Star roster, Noah has continued to prove why he's one of the best big men in the league, and why he's a borderline superstar for different reasons.

What Noah brings to the table are the intangibles. He brings effort, hustle, emotion, and leadership night in and night out. He's the type of player you hate when you play against him, but love if he's on your side. Aside from the things you can't calculate in statistics, Noah is also averaging career highs in blocks (2.1) and steals (1.3) per game. He's a big-time presence in the paint, and he's truly turned into one of the most efficient defenders down low in the post, making ball-handlers second guess their decisions to enter the paint. Similar to Tyson Chandler of last year, Noah has always been a good defender, but has elevated his game this year and is worthy of being recognized as the leagues best for 2012-13.

Honorable Mentions: Chris Paul (LAC), Marc Gasol (MEM), Tony Allen (MEM)

Sixth Man of the Year- Jamal Crawford, SG, Los Angeles Clippers 


In what is turning into a two-man race between Crawford and JR Smith of the Knicks, I give the edge to Crawford because of the difference maker he has been since his debut in Clipper red at the beginning of this season. He's an incredible playmaker, becoming notable for his excellent ball-handling skills and ability to create his own shot. He's also provided a huge relief to the likes of Chris Paul, being able to keep him fresh and keep the offense flowing while #3 is resting up on the bench. Crawford and Eric Bledsoe have led a second-unit that is undoubtedly the best in the NBA, and one that could arguably be a starting five on some of the leagues less talented teams.

Crawford has been a huge lift to a Clippers team that has looked like serious title-contenders in 2012-13, and his role off the bench has put him in a position to win this award for the second time in his career.

Honorable Mentions: Smith (NYK), Jarrett Jack (GSW), Kevin Martin (OKC)

Coach of the Year- Mark Jackson, Golden State Warriors

Always a contentious category, Coach of the Year is given typically to a guy who has led his team to places beyond original expectations. Mark Jackson certainly fits this category.

After an uninspiring first season at the helm which resulted in no playoff appearance and being 20 games under .500, Jackson has turned his team around to the utmost extent. Currently sitting as the 6th seed in an ultra-competitive Western Conference, Jackson has made the most of his teams talent and has turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the league. Players like Stephen Curry, Jarrett Jack, and Klay Thompson are enjoying career years under the tutelage of Jackson, and he's proving why many people thought he'd make a great coach while he sat as an NBA color commentator for a number of years after his playing career ceased. If the Warriors can clinch a playoff berth, or even improve upon their current standing, Jackson should be a shoo-in for this award.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Woodson (NYK), Frank Vogel (IND), Tom Thibodeau (CHI)